Hi Greek Kitty
we flew to Lesvos last year and the airport is tiny.
I can't remember Zante airport very well, but I can't see it being smaller than Mytilene.

When we arrived to check in for our return flight, we got rid of our cases, then walked down the road a few yards to a taverna and had a meal and a drink.
When we thought it was nearing time for boarding, we walked back to the airport, went straight through Security and onto the plane.
We took off 15 minutes EARLY.

Lesvos is truly lovely, we stayed in Petra and would definitely choose to go back.
If you like McDonald's and lots of places doing 'English Sunday Lunch' or 'Sausages, Mash and Onion Gravy', I'd say you might be a tad disappointed.
If however, you like traditional Greek Food and ambience, you'll love it.

Although we enjoyed Tsilivi when we were last there in September 2001, it's a world away from Lesvos - which is how Greece used to be when we first used to go over 20 years ago.
Keep it a secret!

Regards
Polly

When we arrived to check in for our return flight, we got rid of our cases, then walked down the road a few yards to a taverna and had a meal and a drink

We did exactly the same as you! It was much better than hanging aorund in the terminal. We also stayed in Petra and loved it!